P-31 NMR-STUDY OF THE INTERACTION OF ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL WITH PHOSPHOLIPIDS, FATTY-ACIDS AND THEIR OXYGENATED DERIVATIVES

Interaction of alpha-tocopherol with phospholipids, oleic, ricinoleic acids and linoleic acid hydroperoxides was investigated by means of P- 31 NMR spectroscopy on a model artificial membranes containing egg pho sphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine. Alpha-tocopherol was sho wn to support the bilayer organization. of lisophospholipids, whereas its introduction into the lecithine-water system stimulated the hexago nal phase formation. Free fatty acids exhibited a synergism to alpha-t ocopherol, the effect of the hexagonal phase formation being at most i ncreased by oxygenated acids - ricinoleic acid and linoleic acid hydro peroxides. In accordance with the experimental data, a conclusion abou t modifying and structuring action of alpha-tocopherol was made. Origi n of the alpha-tocopherol's modulating effect on the membrane structur e and a possible, role of hexagonal phase forming upon its action in t he course of peroxidation of lipids was discussed.